Herbert Smith Freehills LLP works with blue chip clients on domestic and international mandates of an ever-growing scale, possessing deep asset knowledge that is balanced between renewables and emerging assets as well as carbon-producing energy. The firm is a key adviser on a number of PPP projects around the world, working closely with sponsors, lenders and governments on the financing, developing and structure of complex projects. Notable work includes project financing the NeuConnect Interconnector between England and Germany, negotiating the debt facility for waste-to-energy and battery storage developments in the UK, and advising on a Hydropower project in Malawi. Martin Kavanagh is recognised for his cross-border work, with experience in markets such as Uzebekistan, Nepal, Angola and Lesotho, advising on the development and financing of the full range of asset types. Matthew Job leverages more than 20 years of project finance experience to advise multinational companies and financial institutions on funding both brownfield and greenfield developments, working regularly alongside Silke Goldberg , who is highlighted for her clean energy, climate change and ESG know-how. Helen Beatty is well regarded for her wide-spanning and far-reaching practice , and is seen as a key driver in the group’s renewable energy and battery value chain offering. David Wyles left the firm in December 2022 to join Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'HSF presents a strong team with strength across all levels of the team. Martin Kavanagh ensures that work is done at the right levels, which also helps ensure cost effectiveness. The team has an excellent understanding of the market which really adds value to us as a client.'
'Joanne Elson has excellent attention to detail which enables her to suggest practical solutions to issues that arise. She is committed to her clients and that commitment greatly assist in getting deals across the line in an efficient manner.'

Key clients

Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), European Investment Bank (EIB) and UK Infrastructure Bank (UKIB)
Government of Malawi
Iron Acton Green Limited as borrower (a subsidiary of Cero Generation Holdings UK Limited)
High Speed Two (HS2) Limited
Strabag
Hochtief
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Meridiam
EDF Renewables
Dynamic Mining
Adriatic Metals plc
Total-Eren S.A,
KEFI Gold and Copper Plc
Transmission Capital Partners Limited Partnership
BNP Paribas, ING Bank, Natixis CIB and Société Générale
Green Investment Group (GIG)
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners
Dynamic Mining

Work highlights

Advised lenders on the financing of the NeuConnect Interconnector Project, which will be the first interconnector between England and Germany (two of Europe's largest energy markets) and one of the first interconnectors in Europe to be project-financed.
Advising the Government of Malawi on the development and structuring through a PPP model of the proposed 350MW Mpatamanga Hydropower Project, along Malawi’s Shire River.
Advised the winning consortium composed of Macquarie Capital, SK Engineering Co Ltd and Webuild SpA (Salini Impregilo) on the financing and project documents in respect of the €2.0 billion (19.8 billion NOK) Rv555 Sotra Connection 25-year PPP road project on Norway’s west coast.